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Flamsteed Astronomy Society |
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“Best bash yet” — Flamsteed Xmas Party December 1, 2008 |
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Report by Roger Geeson |
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On Monday 1st December, the dignified hallows of the Peter Harrison Planetarium lobby echoed to the happy sounds of some sixty members of the Flamsteed Society, together with distinguished guests from the Observatory, as they gathered to celebrate the Society’s 9th Christmas. The evening commenced with wine and nibbles served from tables groaning under the weight of a delightful cold buffet, organised by our chair Lin Potter. This tempted many hungry palates but it was guarded firmly and sweetly by Secretary Jane who was insistent that we should restrain ourselves until after the first Planetarium show by Dr Darren ‘Das’ Baskill. Upon reflection, perhaps wise counsel from Jane -- Darren’s demo presentation had us swooping over the pyramids, perusing Van Gogh’ works and doing various virtual aerobatics with which an early dip into the buffet may not have been entirely compatible!
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Keepers of the ‘dignified hallows’ !!?? Drs Darren Baskill and Claire Bretherton [Pic: Mike Dryland) |
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The ROG Shop stayed open late and Flamsteed members attempted to spend their way out of the recession. [Pic: Mike Dryland) |
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It certainly was a departure from the normal planetarium fare and, so far as I was concerned at least, one which was most enjoyable. We had first been treated by Pat Wainwright to a succinct and amusing global travelogue with some excellent picture evidence of her search to take the ‘perfect’ total eclipse photograph, hitherto not quite fulfilled by her! |
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She has chased after, and snapped-away at eclipses through various countries worldwide, culminating last year in an epic journey to Novosibirsk in Siberia on the Trans-Siberian railway from Moscow. Her efforts to nail the ‘perfect’ total eclipse pic have so far been just slightly marred by weather, dodgy equipment, and even the odd herd of cattle carelessly leaning on the tripods. Next year however, she is off to China for yet another total and is determined to make sure it’s the perfect pic this time. This is echoed by Lin who is going with her, just to make sure! Good luck Pat you certainly deserve it, for sheer determination, and we look forward to the snaps. ...continued/ |
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Martin and Dave catch up on events [Pic: Mike Dryland) |
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Bernie & Stan wonder who might get the £5,000 astronomical clock for Xmas! [Pic: Mike Dryland) |